Qing Madi: Afrobeats' New Sensation

Photo captured from her Instagram page.

Afrobeat, a genre pioneered by the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti, remains a cultural force in both African and global music. Fela’s legacy endures, and though Afrobeats (with an ‘’s’’) evolved from his original Afrobeat, the two coexist, with Afrobeat retaining its distinctive place in the world.

The Legendary Fela. Image captured from his Instagram page managed by who knows 😆.

Afrobeats, since its emergence nearly three decades ago, has dominated the African music scene, and today, I want to spotlight one of its brightest stars—Qing Madi. This young talent effortlessly blends Afrobeats with R&B, pop, and dancehall, crafting a sound that’s both fresh and deeply rooted in tradition.

Qing(King) Madi

Born Chimamanda Pearl Chukuma, her stage name “Qing Madi” symbolizes power and femininity (“Qing”) and the celestial (“Madi”). I was captivated by her music when she released Òle (meaning “thief” in English) in 2023, a collaboration with another badass Afrobeats star, BNXN. The track is irresistible—a catchy tune that immediately draws you in. Frankly, if anyone claims to dislike Ole, I’d say their eardrums need a spiritual cleanse! Music is…